Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure in a list?

• A. She likes reading, writing, and painting.
• B. She likes reading, to write, and painting.
• C. She likes to read, writing, and painting.
• D. She likes reading, to write, and to paint.

Answer: (A)

Parallel structure means maintaining the same grammatical form for items in a list. In the sentence, reading, writing, and painting are all -ing forms acting as nouns after “likes,” so they match and create a smooth rhythm. The other options mix different forms—infinitives like “to write” or “to paint,” or a mix of forms—which breaks the flow of the list. Keeping all items in the same form makes the sentence clear and easy to read.